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Open Spaces

New signs have finally arrived for Jesus Green, explicitly warning visitors not to use disposable barbecues directly on the grass. The old signs weren’t as clear as this, meaning many picnickers didn’t realise that they weren’t supposed to use them.

New signs on Jesus Green

Disposable barbecues are an issue because they leave burnt patches in the grass which are ugly and unsightly. Local residents have also said that on some days there’s a pall of smoke across the whole of the Green.

We don’t want to stop people having picnics, though. There’s probably no nicer place in the city to take a hamper down in the summer, or indeed a barbecue. I spoke to local councillor Dan Ratcliffe the other day about this – he lives just up the road. He told me that local residents don’t want to stop the Green from being enjoyed; they just care deeply about making sure it’s looked after.

So we’re looking at extending the number of barbecue stones and slabs on the north side of the Green, past the path and near the kiosk, with the help of the Friends of Jesus Green. They’ve been great and really generous with their time and energy – many thanks if you’re reading this. Hopefully the clearer signs will be a step towards sorting this issue so everyone can enjoy one of the city’s favourite open spaces.